Photo By Tech. Sgt. James Bentley | Col. Allen King is the newest commander of the 117th Air Refueling Wing, Sumpter Smith...... read more read more
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SUMPTER SMITH JOINT NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ala. – Col. Robert Allen King became the Commander of the 117th Air Refueling Wing today. He has previously served as Commander of the 106th Air refueling Squadron, the 117th Operations Group, and most recently as the 117 ARW Vice Commander.
Col. King is taking command during a time full of change. A short-term goal he has for the Wing is to continue to combat the spread of COVID-19 and restore normal working conditions.
He is also planning for the future of the refueling mission at the base. Sumpter Smith JNGB has had a simulator for training boom operators since 2016, and Col. King plans to get one for training pilots in the future. He also intends to add to the length of the flight line to accommodate new aircraft.
King has served at the wing since 1989. After four years of service in the active-duty Air Force, he joined the 117th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing as a crew chief, working on the RF-4 Phantom. In 1993 he earned his commission and became a navigator as the base transitioned from reconnaissance to its present refueling mission. In 1999 he became a pilot, and has remained one ever since.
“I’ve seen some great leaders come through this place, and I’ve modeled myself after their behavior,” King says. “I haven’t done this alone. There have been so many great airmen supporting me, this mission, and making good leaders of all of us. I think one of the best qualities of a leader is to listen. I listen to my airmen, I’ve been where they’ve been, so I know how to motivate them to do the best job here.”
“For the 117th family, I thank you. I am honored and humbled to have this job.”
| Date Taken: | 08.20.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 08.26.2020 10:58 |
| Story ID: | 376461 |
| Location: | BIRMINGHAM, AL, US |
| Web Views: | 88 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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